Guyana Medical Relief, U.S. Embassy Distribute 30,000 Donated Shoes

HAP Donates TOM shoes

The non-profit organization, Guyana Medical Relief, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) has begun distributing over 30,000 pairs of shoes donated by TOMS Shoes Brand. This massive donation was coordinated by Mr. Sharir Chan, the Chief Operations Officer for Guyana Medical Relief, a non-profit organization established in 1984 in Los Angeles, California and funded largely by donations in kind from members of the Guyanese diaspora. Receiving assistance from the Ministries of Health and Education and the U.S. Embassy Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP), Mr. Chan has been coordinating the on-going delivery of these shoes to children and young adults in need. Ideally suited for the school uniform, the rubber soled, canvas shoes have been a welcome gift to those in need. The U.S. Embassy worked closely with non-profit organizations to deliver donations and supplies for people in need throughout Guyana.

In addition to securing shoes for the underprivileged throughout Guyana, the combined efforts of Mr. Chan, the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) and the U.S. Embassy Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) have ordered, transported and delivered nearly $2 Million USD worth of medical supplies and equipment in recent weeks, with additional supplies currently being shipped to Guyana. These much needed medical supplies and equipment have been delivered to hospitals and health clinics throughout Guyana.

Assisting non-profit organizations with the transport of humanitarian aid items medical supplies and equipment through the Humanitarian Assistance Program represents a core component of the U.S Embassy’s continuing commitment to support ongoing Government of Guyana efforts to provide vital services for the people of Guyana. HAP is an initiative under the U.S. Embassy to assist Guyana’s communities, particularly in undeserved regions, in the areas of social, economic and medical development.  HAP works to bring together local and international agencies to reach common goals.